Magistrates approve 7 percent cost-of-living pay increase on a 3-2 vote

Thu, 06/30/2022 - 8:17am — John Embry

Butler County Rescue Squad adds to their fleet. Squad 51 is a 2022 Chevy 3500

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, June 27, at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance.

The most discussion occurred during a motion to approve wages for the Butler County Fiscal Court for FY 23. The group includes magistrates, county attorney, coroner, deputy coroner, emergency manager, finance officer, treasurer, occupational tax, solid waste coordinator, solid waste technician, road supervisor, equipment operators, laborers, mechanics, jail employees, 911 dispatchers, ferry operators, and seasonal employees. The Court was considering a seven percent raise based on the Consumer Price Index, which was used by the state in setting wages for the judge, jailer, county clerk, and sheriff.

Fifth District Magistrate Dillon Bryant stated that he did not want to approve a seven percent raise for himself.

"I knew what the job paid when I ran for office. I am all for giving the employees a raise but not myself," said Bryant.

Third District Magistrate Timmy Givens agreed with Bryant.

"We should not give ourselves a raise," said Givens.

Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps disagreed, stating they were some of the lowest paid magistrates in the state.

Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill could not vote on the issue due to his wife being a court employee.

Magistrate Phelps motioned to give the pay increase to everyone on the list. Magistrates Bryant and Timmy Givens voted against the motion, while Phelps and Stevie Givens voted for it. Judge/Executive Tim Flener broke the tie with a yes vote.

In other Fiscal Court business, the spring clean-up day proceeds totaled $1,634, and the City of Morgantown will receive half the money.

Magistrate Kevin Phelps asked the Court for $8,000 for a water line and trenching for the Woodbury RV Park project. The Court approved the request.

The Court approved a $500 per month increase to their payment to Friends of Butler County Animals to run the animal shelter. Starting in July, the shelter will receive $7,500 per month from the county.

Brandon Keown from the Butler County Rescue Squad asked the Court about additional space to store equipment. The Court requested Keown to get three bids for possible storage solutions.

Judge Tim Flener announced a 9-1-1 Homeland Security Grant for mapping equipment for $35,677.

The Court set September 17 for the Leonard Oak Boat Ramp Cookout.

The Court approved the following additional items on individual a 5-0 votes:

–$26,000 to the Butler County Sheriff's Department for fuel expenses

–Butler County Pay Scale for county employees

–$2,000 donation to the Butler County Arts Guild

–FY 23-24 Jail payments HB556

–Return unused HRA Funds from FY21

–Bills and transfers

–Transfer $50,000 from General Fund to Jail Fund

–5th District VFD Financial Statement

–Appoint Brenda Longhofer to a three-year term on Tourism Board